UTICA, NY – The Utica Police Department has reported a string of robberies associated with Xbox sales arranged through Facebook Marketplace.
These incidents, occurring on the 1100 block of Taylor Ave over the past month, have led to the arrest of 19-year-old Charles Phillips of Utica.
In each case, victims were lured with the promise of purchasing an Xbox, only to be deceived and robbed.
The first victim was physically robbed of cash, while the others received bags filled with trash instead of the gaming console. In one instance, the suspect brandished a firearm to prevent the victim from reclaiming their money.
Investigations led to the identification of Phillips, recognized by officers from the Facebook profile used in these transactions.
After positive identification by the victims, Phillips was apprehended on Sunday, and charged with multiple counts of robbery, grand larceny, and petit larceny.